Introduction
A quick glance at the world today paints a rich and varied picture of faith. Christians, in particular, are made up of an expansive array of denominations. To many of us, the very phrase “Christian” conjures up an image of either a person in a particular box, or even a myriad of different colors and shapes. But where does this diversity of view come from? There is no easy answer, and yet the variety is vast. From major world religions with millions of adherents to obscure sects in remote parts of the world, Christianity is a tapestry of orthodoxy and heterodoxy. In this article, we will explore how many different denominations of Christianity there are, and why they exist.
Origins in East and West
Christianity is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where it was first known as the religion of Jesus. Over time, this religion spread to Europe, where it evolved into the Latin Church, or Roman Catholicism. After the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, the Latin Church split into two main branches, the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. These two branches certainly dominate the religious landscape of Christianity today, but they are not the only denominations of the faith.
The Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century spearheaded the fracturing of Latin Christianity. Led by a group of reformers, the Reformers argued for the primacy of Scripture, the rights of the individual, and the authority of the Church as a whole. The Protestant Reformation gave birth to a whole new region of denominations, all of which had different beliefs and practices regarding the authority of Scripture, the interpretation of doctrines and the nature of salvation.
What Counts as Christian Denomination?
Different denominations may be identified in different ways, often focusing on their primary beliefs and doctrines. Catholics, for example, tend to be identified by their belief in the authority of the Church and its Pope, while the Evangelical Church may be identified by its emphasis on the power of the Holy Spirit, the authority of the Bible, and its focus on personal conversion. Regardless of what denominations believe, they all call themselves “Christians” and share the same Savior and basic rituals like baptism and the Eucharist.
How Many Different Denominations Of Christianity Are There?
Estimates for the number of Christian denominations and sub-denominations vary greatly, but many put the figure at around 38,000 worldwide. This number includes both mainstream denominations, like Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox, as well as more obscure sects, like Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness. These numbers can also grow and shrink depending on the denomination, as recently seen with the Anglican Communion, which has seen churches break off and new churches form.
Factors Behind Denominational Diversity
Originally, Christian denominations developed as a response to new theological ideas or pastoral problems. Today, however, there are many different factors, often related to culture. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention, which is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, developed primarily as a result of differences in social, religious and political attitudes between North and South. Similarly, in many African countries, religious denominations are shaped by different languages, cultures and political boundaries.
Cultural Expressions of Christianity
Christian denominations are often highly differentiated by their culture, too. Whether it is language, music, art, literature, or other forms, Christianity has often been expressed in culturally distinctive ways by different denominations. For example, Lutherans in Sweden sing the same hymns but have created a distinct repertoire of Swedish hymns, while the Mexican Baptist Church embraces a distinct culture of mariachi and folkloric music.
Theological Differences Among Denominations
In addition to differing in expression, Christian denominations also differ in practice. These differences are sometimes focused on doctrine, but at other times in terms of worship practices or moral issues. Catholics and Protestants differ in worship but agree on the basics of Christian belief. Similarly, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches have distinct liturgies and different understandings of the nature of Christ. In addition, some denominations, such as the Presbyterians and Congregationalists, practise a congregational church governance, while others, such as the Anglicans and Lutherans, practise an episcopal church government.
Competing Denominations
Although some denominations are more accepting of other denominations than others, there is often a strong feeling of competition among different denominations. These denominational tensions can often result in outright animosity. In matter of religious rivalry and competition, denominations can face off in a battle of who can be more committed in mission, expression, and conduct. It is this healthy “tug-of-war” that has helped to spur an incredible diversity of Christianity worldwide.
Commitment to Unity
At its very heart, however, the denominational nature of Christianity has enabled it to be one of the most accepting, loving, and committed configurations of faith. Despite their differences, Christian denominations share essential core beliefs, such as the nature of God, the divinity of Christ, and salvation through grace. Similarly, many denominations have committed themselves to unity on a local and global level, often coming together to accomplish mission, spread the love of Christ, and bring His hope to a hurting world.
Preaching the Gospel
Despite our many differences, denominations have come together in agreement to peaceably proclaim the Gospel. Whether it is in public proclamation or a humble prayer, denominations collaborate in Jesus’ name to share His truth of grace and love to the world. This shared commitment demonstrates an incredible unity in faith in the midst of denominational diversity.
Cultural Variety
The diversity of Christian culture has both an intrinsic and practical advantage to the Christian faith. On the one hand, it allows for a variety of expressions of faith while still maintaining a single overriding faith. At the same time, it also allows for ministries and organizations to share the same message while having outlets of outreach tailored to different cultures. By having a wealth of cultures, Christian denominations and organizations can focus their energies on sharing the Gospel in the most effective way.
Theological Diversity
The diversity of denominations allows Christian theologians to explore and debate topics without having to reach a universal consensus. This theological diversity helps to keep the faith vibrant and alive. From discussions about the authenticity of a certain text to the nature of ordination, theologians have vastly differing opinions on a wide variety of topics. This is a great aspect of Christianity as it promotes transparency, creates dialogue, and creates a deeper understanding of the faith.
Non-Traditional Denominations
While some denominations are historically rooted, there are also those that have emerged more recently. From the Iglesia ni Cristo to the Jesus Movement, some denominations have only been around for a few decades. This age of emerging denominations has enabled Christian Churches to reach people who may not have been reached before. These organizations often have fewer commitments to historically rooted organizations and thus can more quickly tailor their structure and message in response to the changing cultural context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christian denominations exist due to a variety of doctrinal, cultural and practical reasons. There is no one right answer as to how many different denominations of Christianity there are. Ultimately, each denomination is unique in its beliefs and practices, and yet ultimately, they are united by their common faith. As Christians, they are united in their commitment to peaceably preach the Gospel and share love and grace across the world.
